Oliver Travel Trailers

20 of the Best Camping Spots in Arizona

Top 20 Best Place to Camp in Arizona
By: Oliver
Updated: December 2, 2024

Arizona is a great place for outdoor lovers who want to camp. The state has beautiful landscapes, from tall mountains to quiet deserts, offering many camping options. In this blog post, we will look at some of the best camping spots in Arizona and share helpful tips for planning a fun camping trip. Prepare your trailer, pack your gear, and explore Arizona’s unique camping destinations!

1. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park - breathtaking view of the majestic canyon with layers of colorful rock formations as the sun sets, showcasing its natural beauty and iconic landscape.

Grand Canyon is a great place to camp and explore the majestic canyon. Campers can enjoy the stunning views and explore the canyon’s many wonders with several camping options, including backcountry camping.

2. Tonto National Forest

Campers can choose from many camping options in this giant forest. They can camp by rivers, lakes, streams, or in the backcountry, which offers a variety of outdoor experiences. The forest has beautiful views, great fishing spots, and plenty of wildlife. There are trails for all skill levels. Whether you want a quiet getaway or an exciting adventure, this forest has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.

3. Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park - scenic desert landscape with iconic saguaro cacti silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, showcasing the unique flora and stunning vistas of this protected area in southern Arizona.

Saguaro National Park is renowned for its towering cacti and offers a unique desert camping experience. Visitors can explore trails, hike, and enjoy the stunning desert landscape while connecting with nature.

4. Kaibab National Forest

Kaibab National Forest, located near the Grand Canyon, offers picturesque camping sites for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy day hikes, observe diverse wildlife, and relax in the peaceful ambiance of the forest, immersing themselves in the unique beauty of the landscape.

5. Coronado National Forest

Coronado National Forest - panoramic view of the diverse landscape featuring rugged mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike in this enchanting natural sanctuary in Arizona.

Cradled in the Sonoran Desert, Coronado National Forest offers unique camping opportunities along rivers, lakes, and backcountry trails. Visitors can explore stunning canyons and rock formations while observing diverse wildlife, creating a memorable outdoor experience amidst the desert landscape.

6. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers breathtaking mountain views and diverse campsites along rivers and lakes. Visitors can explore its extensive trail network, including the renowned Mogollon Rim Trail, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

7. Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park - picturesque view of the crystal-clear lake surrounded by sandy beaches, palm trees, and rocky desert terrain, providing a tranquil escape for water activities and outdoor adventures in this scenic park located in western Arizona.

Lake Havasu State Park is known for its clear waters and camping along the shorelines and backcountry. It offers activities like swimming, fishing, and boating, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking relaxation and adventure.

8. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

This park, known for its natural bridge, offers campsites by the creek and backcountry. Visitors can explore diverse trails, enjoy day hikes, and enjoy stunning views for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

9. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park - iconic red sandstone formations and towering mesas against a clear blue sky, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and cultural significance of this renowned park within the Navajo Nation in Arizona and Utah.

Renowned for its iconic sandstone buttes, this park offers campers a unique opportunity to stay along the picturesque banks of the San Juan River. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty by exploring the numerous trails, embarking on day hikes, and marveling at the stunning scenery.

10. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is famous for its stunning lake and offers camping along the shoreline and backcountry. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating, making it a perfect spot for water activities in a beautiful natural setting.

11. Chiricahua National Monument

Chiricahua National Monument - dramatic rock spires and pinnacles creating a unique and striking landscape, with lush forests and vibrant wildflowers adding to the beauty of this hidden gem in southeastern Arizona.
Chiricahua National Monument: Dramatic rock spires and pinnacles create a unique and striking landscape, with lush forests and vibrant wildflowers adding to the beauty of this hidden gem in southeastern Arizona.

This monument is known for its stunning rock formations, allowing campers to stay in the backcountry. Campers can explore the many trails, take day hikes, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

12. Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is known for its natural water slide, offering visitors a thrilling experience. In addition to the slide, guests can explore trails, enjoy day hikes, and soak up the sun for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.

13. Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park - stunning red rock formations contrasted against lush green foliage and the tranquil waters of Oak Creek, providing a peaceful oasis for hiking, picnicking, and nature-watching in this scenic park located in Sedona, Arizona.
Red Rock State Park – stunning red rock formations contrasted against lush green foliage and the tranquil waters of Oak Creek, providing a peaceful oasis for hiking, picnicking, and nature-watching in this scenic park in Sedona, Arizona.

This park is known for its stunning red sandstone cliffs and allows campers to stay along the banks of Oak Creek. Campers can also hike along the trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

14. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is renowned for its mesmerizing canyons and picturesque campsites, which are equipped with excellent amenities. Campers can indulge in many water activities, from swimming and fishing to boating, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable aquatic experience.

15. Sedona

Sedona's famous red rock formations, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, against a blue sky, showcase the breathtaking beauty and spiritual energy of this popular destination for outdoor activities, art galleries, and wellness retreats in northern Arizona.
Sedona’s famous red rock formations, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, against a blue sky, showcase this popular destination’s breathtaking beauty and spiritual energy for outdoor activities, art galleries, and wellness retreats in northern Arizona.

This city is known for its stunning red rock formations and provides camping opportunities along Oak Creek and the backcountry.

16. Havasu Falls

This famous waterfall has beautiful blue waters. It gives campers a chance to backpack and camp along the way. To reach the waterfall, you must first hike a challenging trail and get a permit. However, the stunning views make the effort worthwhile.

17. Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park - ancient petrified logs scattered across a barren landscape under a clear blue sky, showcasing the unique geological features and rich fossil deposits of this protected area in northeastern Arizona.
Petrified Forest National Park features ancient petrified logs scattered across a barren landscape under a clear blue sky. The park showcases the unique geological features and rich fossil deposits of this protected area in northeastern Arizona.

This park is known for its stunning petrified logs and is a fun place to go backcountry camping. 

18. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

White Tank Park is located in a beautiful area known for its stunning views. Campers looking for a peaceful getaway will enjoy the great campsites by the calm White Tank Wash. These spots offer an extraordinary outdoor experience surrounded by nature.

19. Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park - breathtaking desert scenery with rugged mountains, blooming wildflowers, and the iconic Santa Catalina Mountains in the background, providing an idyllic setting for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping in this natural oasis located near Tucson, Arizona.
Catalina State Park offers breathtaking desert scenery with rugged mountains, blooming wildflowers, and the iconic Santa Catalina Mountains in the background. This natural oasis is located near Tucson, Arizona, and provides an idyllic setting for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.

Known for its beautiful views, Catalina State Park offers campers the opportunity to stay along the banks of Sabino Creek.

20. Kartchner Caverns State Park

This park is known for its stunning limestone caves and provides camping opportunities along the banks of the San Pedro River. Campers can also explore the many trails, take day hikes, and enjoy the stunning views.

At Oliver Travel Trailers, we know how exciting it is to plan your summer trips. Finding the right travel trailer is vital to making those trips enjoyable. Our expert team is ready to help you choose the best trailer. We can guide you based on your budget, what your vehicle can handle, and the features you want. Let us help you find the perfect trailer for your summer adventures!

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